A Tiramisu Layer Cake combines the beloved flavors of classic tiramisu with the elegance of a layer cake. It’s rich, coffee-infused, and features layers of fluffy cake, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa. Here’s a recipe for this indulgent dessert.
Tiramisu Layer Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) strong brewed coffee (cooled)
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 1 cup (240ml) brewed espresso or strong coffee
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cocoa Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and coffee, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Coffee Syrup:
- While the cakes are baking, make the coffee syrup by combining the brewed espresso, sugar, and coffee liqueur in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake layers have cooled, use a pastry brush to generously soak each cake layer with the coffee syrup.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of the mascarpone filling on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining mascarpone filling over the top and sides of the cake.
7. Dust with Cocoa:
- Generously dust the top of the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
8. Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The cake tastes even better after being chilled overnight.
Your Tiramisu Layer Cake is now ready! This decadent dessert is perfect for coffee lovers and will impress guests with its layers of flavor and creamy richness. Enjoy with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for the ultimate experience!